By Sea

Ayrshire and Arran offer easy access by sea with ferries into south west Scotland from Ireland and a network of internal ferries between the mainland and the island,

Irish Sea Routes

Visitors from Ireland can use the Stenaline and P&O Irish Sea ferry services from Belfast and Larne to Cairnryan.

P&O Irish Sea Ferries

The 2 hours 12 minutes service from Larne to Cairnryan operate throughout the year with P&O Superferries.

Stena Line

Travel on the biggest ferries ever to sail between Scotland and Northern Ireland, Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII. These sister ships travel from Belfast to Cairnryan in a crossing time from only 2 hours 15 minutes with a choice of up to 6 daily crossings.

Island Routes

Caledonian MacBrayne run regular ferry crossings between Ardrossan and Clanaig to Brodick on Arran. The journey takes only 55 minutes allowing you to relax, unwind and enjoy the views. The recent changes in transport policy has seen the cost of ferry travel to Arran slashed making the whole experience a whole loat more affordable.

There is also a seasonal ferry service between Lochranza on Arran and Claonaig in Argyll, and the ferry service between Ardrossan and Campbeltown runs three times per week with an additional stop at Brodick on a Saturday. Cumbrae is only a 10-minute ferry trip from Largs.

Travelling to the Isle of Arran

The recent introduction of a travel subsidy has in many instances halved the cost of travel by car and foot to the Isle of Arran making a short break to the island even more attractive. Caledonian MacBrayne operates regular ferry services to the islands of Arran and Cumbrae making these islands easily accessible. The ferry crossing from Ardrossan Harbour to Brodick Harbour on Arran takes only 55 minutes and gives you the chance to sit back, relax and take in the spectacular views. Ardrossan is serviced by train and bus, plus a regular bus service meets the ferry in Brodick. There is also a seasonal service between Lochranza on the Isle of Arran and Claonaig in Argyll.

Travelling to the Isle of Cumbrae

The Isle of Cumbrae is only a 10 minute ferry trip from the seaside town of Largs, which can be reached by train and bus. On Cumbrae a regular bus service meets the ferry to take passengers to the island’s town of Millport.